Picture of a Completed BESS site

Completed BESS
BESS site

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTING A SUITABLE BESS SITE?


A viable site must meet several land, zoning, and electrical requirements.

1) Size

Solar energy is captured using technologies such as:

  • 7,000 to 25,000 plus square feet of leasable area.  7,000 square feet will accommodate one 5mW system where 25,000 square feet can include two to three 5mW systems.
  • Final suitability is considered on a case by case basis.

2) Zone

  • Vacant land is best.
  • Industrial, commercial, and residential zones are all permissible, determined on a municipality by municipality basis.

3) Utility

  • Leasable area within 500 feet of a three phase circuit.
  • Property within 0.5 miles of a substation.

4) Location

  • Areas of high congestion and density.
  • Parcels under or near major thoroughfares, manufacturing areas, warehouse areas, logistics areas, or institutional campuses.


A typical 5 MW, 20 MWh lithium ion BESS requires 0.25 to 0.75 acres.

This footprint includes battery containers, inverter enclosures, a transformer pad, fencing, access lanes, and required setbacks. Exact acreage depends on site shape, utility interconnection location, and local permitting requirements.


Battery modules are housed in standardized, UL certified 40 foot containerized enclosures.

Typical dimensions are 40 ft long, 8 ft wide, and 9.5 ft high.

Each container holds between 2.0 and 3.5 MWh depending on the manufacturer.

A 20 MWh system typically uses 6 to 10 containers, depending on the exact energy density of the units.


Inverter equipment is usually housed in dedicated 20 foot containers. Typical dimensions are 20 ft long, 8 ft wide, and 9 ft high. The inverter converts DC power from the battery into AC power for the grid.


Typically 8 to 13 total modular units, consisting of the following:

  • Battery containers: 6 to 10 units, depending on container MWh rating.
  • Inverter containers: 2 to 3 units.
  • Additional equipment includes a transformer pad and switchgear.


Benefits include:

  • Long term, guaranteed lease income for 25 to 40 years.
  • No upfront costs or operational burden.
  • Next Energy 360 handles permitting, engineering, construction, and ongoing O & M.
  • Small physical footprint with minimal visual or noise impact.
  • A simple way to monetize underutilized or setback land without disrupting existing operations.
  • Supports ESG and portfolio sustainability goals with measurable clean energy impact.
  • Full decommissioning and site restoration at the end of the lease term.


Modern BESS projects use multiple layers of safety, including.

  • Battery Management Systems that monitor cells.
  • Thermal management through HVAC to maintain safe operating temperatures.
  • Smoke and gas detection systems for early warning.
  • Integrated fire detection and suppression systems.
  • Fire rated spacing and setbacks per NFPA 855.
  • Emergency Stop buttons and remote shutdown capability.
  • Security fencing, controlled access, and site monitoring.


Next Energy 360’s development timeline begins with landowner permission and application development, which typically takes 1 to 2 months. Once the application is submitted, the utility interconnection study follows and usually takes 18 to 24 months. The combined feasibility period is generally 2 to 3 years,


Typically 25 to 40 years. A 40-year lease contains three, optional 5-year extensions.  At the end of the lease, the site is restored to pre-project conditions.


The landowner provides a list of potential properties. Next Energy 360 screens these sites and produces a proposal. A follow up meeting is held to discuss viability and the Feasibility Agreement.